A personal blog of NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin for folks interested in his work as state Commissioner of Insurance, North Carolina politics, history & current events, and the occasional literary reference.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Though we want every Democratic voter in North Carolina to be aware of this message, the following message is primarily designed for the 700+ persons hailing from each of the the State's 100 counties who will attend the North Carolina Democratic Party's State Executive Committee meeting in Hamlet on January 26, 2008.

To save time during your visit and full day of Democratic Party business, and as a function of our hospitality, you are invited to a FREE lunch hosted by the Richmond County Democratic Party and the Eighth Congressional District.

Because 2008 is going to be a Democratic year, we have named it the "Democratic Victory Luncheon".

However, the persons who have made this Democratic Victory Luncheon possible - as well as the subsequent Democratic victories that will follow in November - are the following SPONSORS who have provided the necessary funds to make lunch available to everyone at no cost. The sponsors are:

Of all the luncheon sponsors, the lead or primary sponsors are the two Democratic gubernatorial candidates.

Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. in the banquet rooms of Cole Auditorium, located at its proud home of Richmond Community College in Hamlet, North Carolina. (The main campus, adjacent to the auditorium, is on West Hamlet Ave., U.S. Highway 74 Business.) So that everyone will have time to eat and make it to the 1 pm start of the official meeting, we respectfully request that attendees eat and then make way for others who will be following them in the banquet room line.

To learn more about the January 2008 State Executive Committee meeting, please go to www.ncdp.org. An early summary about the occasion also appears in the October 15, 2007 blog entry here at "Wayne's World."

Remember this: Due solely to the sponsorships by the above candidates, every person attending the State Executive Committee meeting will enjoy a FREE BBQ & Chicken lunch. Please express your appreciation to the above sponsors for their thoughtfulness in remembering attendees of the State Executive Committee meeting. And, of course, remember them at the polls when you vote in May and November!

As it prepares for its next Board of Directors meeting in the heart of the Eighth Congressional District, three new board members have been added to the growing list of North Carolina Democratic Party leaders speaking out politically from a progressive theological perspective. One of the new members joining the “Devout Democrats” organization hails from Richmond County.

Wayne Goodwin, who served eight years in the North Carolina House of Representatives and is currently the state's Assistant Commissioner of Insurance, is one of the new Board members. The long-time chairman of the state Democratic Party's Platform Committee and past President of the Young Democrats of North Carolina, he is Vice President of the North Carolina Center for Voter Education and Chairman of the Eighth Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee. Goodwin is also an active lay speaker in the State for the United Methodist Church and a member of the Board of Directors for the Methodist Home for Children. Goodwin, a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, has regularly taught Sunday School for many years.

"My faith shapes my political philosophy," said Goodwin. "It should bother all persons of faith when some Republican campaigns wrongly assert that their candidates have a ‘monopoly’ on God. Frankly, I believe that we Democrats must do a better job of correcting those erroneous assertions by clearly showing how many core Democratic Party initiatives also reflect religious tenets. Family, faith and values are a vital part of the Democratic Party that I believe in – just as some Republicans view these principles as vital to their own party."

"Notwithstanding, it must be understood that no political party created by Mankind can rightly say it has any sort of monopoly on faith or values," Goodwin added. "We must rely upon our faith and our values – to the best of our abilities - to produce the leaders and the policies that move our Nation forward. For that reason, I am pleased to have joined the leadership team of Devout Democrats, and am eager to continue my mission of giving Democrats of faith a stronger voice.”

Goodwin added, “In fact, all persons of faith – regardless of political party – agree that Jesus taught us to love one another and to help the poor, the needy, and the defenseless. Jesus also taught us to be responsible, and to be productive, hard workers in all that we do. I consider these core American values as well.”

Devout Democrats, an interfaith, grassroots political action committee, is dedicated to showing how the Democratic Party reflects the values of mainstream progressive American religious faith. In addition to its well-known advertisements featuring former UNC-Chapel Hill Coach and Hall of Famer Dean Smith and other religious North Carolinians, in March 2008 the group will hold a conference on religion and politics. Speakers will include Rep. David Price, one of North Carolina’s Democratic Congressmen who also has a divinity degree.

The next Board meeting will be in Hamlet on January 26, 2008.

The Eighth Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee welcomes the organization to the area, and encourages interested persons to take this opportunity learn about the mission of Devout Democrats.

For more information about this organization or to request a Devout Democrats speaker for your community, go to www.devoutdemocrats.org. Or, you may contact Rollin Russell, Co-President, via email (rollinrussell@nc.rr.com) or by phone (919-644-0869).

Thursday, December 13, 2007

When the General Assembly convenes for its legislative short session in May, Representative Goodwin will be a new mom .... again. Wayne, Melanie and (soon-to-be big sister) Madison are pleased to announce they are expecting a family addition in late April. Representative Goodwin will be the first woman legislator in North Carolina history to be expecting a child while in office.

The Goodwins view this baby to be an opportunity for families all across North Carolina.

"With the significant majority of state budget dollars going to public education, as well as to promote and protect families and children, I believe having legislators with young children is vital to the lawmaking process," said Goodwin, "and I'm pleased to be doing my part." She added, "Not only does it mean young families and young parents are directly represented when public policy is made, it also encourages these young parents to become active in the public policy process themselves.”

Rep. Goodwin says that her continued service in the legislature during and after the baby is born reflects what the Democratic Party and its House Democratic Caucus are about: children, families, and the future. House Speaker Joe Hackney agrees. "She is an excellent legislator, a legislator who brings remarkable experience to the General Assembly. Melanie is an attorney, mom, wife and career woman. We do not have a lot of youth in the legislature, but Rep. Goodwin has become a key spokesperson for young families and small businesspersons in rural North Carolina. "

He continued, "The House needs members such as Goodwin who are younger and who know how to manage careers and family. ... She does it with style and gets her work done," Hackney said. ... We need people who know what it's like to drop kids off at daycare," Hackney said.

Wayne Goodwin, meanwhile, is very proud of his wife. "I am in awe of all that she does. Not only is she a strong role model for our daughter, Madison, I truly believe that Melanie herself is an ideal role model for women today," he said. "Her continued service will inspire other women to consider public office, especially election to the General Assembly."

He continued, "Madison already is a kindergartner steeped in civics. We are excited about giving the same educational opportunities for our next child. Our children will understand our passion for and call to public service," he added. "Melanie's commitment, though, is what will make the greatest difference to our children."

What helps the Goodwins immensely with their good news is the outpouring of love and support from family members and from Rep. Goodwin's colleagues in the women's legislative political caucus.

Representative Goodwin is running for re-election to a third term in House District 66 with the support of her whole family. Wayne Goodwin is North Carolina’s Assistant Commissioner of Insurance and a former legislator.

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Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (D) represents the 66th House District, comprised of Richmond and Montgomery counties. She and her family live in Rockingham.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Insurance Commissioner Jim Long – also known as the dean of the Council of State, or “the oldest rat in the barn” (having been bequeathed that moniker from the late Agriculture Commissioner Jim Graham and the late Secretary of State Thad Eure) – joined a throng of fellow partisans for Richmond County’s 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. Richmond County Democrats recall that he attended the event last year as well, making him one of a handful of State officials and candidates who have joined the rally both years.

As he does at every rally where he is given – no, takes – the opportunity to speak, Commissioner Long wowed the crowd with why Democrats are needed to win up and down the ballot. He reminded folks how a few people, particularly the out-of-State insurance company CEOs, would love to see him defeated. But he will not give them the satisfaction: In 2008 he is up for a seventh term. In 2004 he led the ticket with more than 58% of the Statewide vote.

Jim Long also took the chance at the rally to have fun at the expense of Assistant Commissioner of Insurance Wayne Goodwin, who was busy snapping photos and floating around the room meeting with the 200+ Democrats. “We are so thankful that Melanie was elected to the House of Representatives to succeed Wayne. Her joining the General Assembly and his joining the Department of Insurance raised the IQ of both places,” he quipped with a smile. Earlier in the evening he joined a hearty crowd of supporters at the historic Hamlet Depot, all who turned out for the re-election announcement of State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin.

During his service thus far as Insurance Commissioner, Jim Long has saved Tar Heel consumers more than $4 billion on auto insurance premiums alone. When you count homeowners' insurance premiums, his successful attempts to rein in insurance costs equals savings for consumers greater than $5 billion. Commissioner Long does everything in his power for the best interests of the consumer. Topping his list is low, affordable, reasonable insurance premiums. Moreover, he has helped keep a competitive insurance market in North Carolina.

Jim Long deserves reelection to the office of Insurance Commissioner in 2008.

To learn more about the Jim Long campaign and his service, check out www.jimlong.org and www.ncdoi.com

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Today I am going to put aside my partisan hat – yes, it is possible, albeit for moments at a time – and ponder, without casting aspersions, about what in the world is going on in the GOP races for Governor and President.

This will be one of those times when I am able to dust off my Poli Sci degree and – as Spinal Tap aficionados would recognize – turn the realpolitik up to an eleven.

In doing so, this is NOT to be confused whatsoever with an endorsement: I am merely musing.

OK, here we go.

First, the North Carolina Governor’s race.

There are three Republican candidates who are definitely going to file in February 2008. They are State Senator Fred Smith, Salisbury attorney Bill Graham, and former Supreme Court justice Bob Orr.

In my opinion, anything could happen in that primary. While both Smith and Graham have ample personal financial resources (along with one having the ubiquitous name “Smith” and the other probably benefiting from a name association with North Carolina’s own world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham), I am here to tell you this: Bob Orr is a great guy. Yes, I know, our politics do not always match – in fact, mostly do NOT match. But in my personal interactions with him over the years and from what I have heard first-hand from good Democratic friends of mine, not to mention attorneys who have seen his mind at work on judicial matters, he is the real deal. He is genuine. Bob Orr is humble, salt-of-the-earth, and down-to-earth. He’s the kind of guy you’d imagine sharing a beer with. Or, at least BBQ wings. On top of that, he is the ONLY one of the three Republican gubernatorial candidates who has run for Statewide office. In fact, he has run Statewide multiple times and won multiple times. And, he’s smart as a whip. Some Republicans voting in the primary might compare him to the 2000 George W. Bush (you recall, the “compassionate conservative” version of him as opposed to the 2001-forward version) and see some similarities. (Except for the smart-as-a-whip part.) And Bush won his Party’s nomination and the White House to boot.

(P.S. Bob, when we saw each other at last week’s dedication of the new Administrative Office of the Court building in Raleigh, you point-blank asked me to include you on my blog – a Democratic blog! I promised. Here you go. Promise kept, as is my rule. … I still think your blog – entitled “More from Orr” - will make voters born in the 60s and 70s think of “Mork from Ork” instead. But I digress.)

Second, the Republican race for President.

Like the Democratic primary race for the White House, the GOP has a fluid situation on its hands with its contenders.

In this instance, you have Guliani who is the alleged frontrunner for the GOP nomination but he is philosophically anathema to much of the activist evangelical, conservative Republican base.

Romney, on the other hand, is making some of the same right-wing religious voters nervous as well, but he and Guliani both have a ton of money. With Romney’s ability to self-fund, nothing is impossible if he needs to flood the airwaves with TV commercials in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Then there is the quartet of Huckabee, Thompson, Paul, and McCain. (Other Republicans are or were also running, but are zippo on all respected meters.)

I believe Huckabee will either come in a strong second place in Iowa or he will barely edge folks – particularly Romney - in the Iowa caucuses in a few weeks. Why? Just a gut feeling. After all, he’s got feet on the ground with volunteers, he’s from a nearby state, he’s a former Governor (which is important in presidential politics), he’s a uber-conservative Baptist minister with a story to tell, and his poll numbers are rising. He has been endorsed by actor Chuck Norris and wrestling legend “Nature Boy” Ric (“to be The Man, you’ve got to Beat The Man”) Flair. And he comes from a place called Hope. (Same Arkansas hometown as President Bill Clinton.)

For Thompson, there are some indications that the bloom is off the rose. His “Law and Order” fame aside, and relative obscurity for his role in exposing Nixon’s Oval Office tapes during the Watergate hearings 34 years ago, it seems that he has not transformed the race the way some had projected. Of course, things could change among the fickle electorate in the early presidential caucus and primary season.

Meanwhile, Ron Paul is the Libertarian Party’s answer to a prayer. That party has fought for years to gain “street cred” in national elections but has time and again had a rough go at it. Paul ran on the Libertarian ticket in 1988, I believe, before returning to Congress as a Republican from Texas. As the Libertarians have wallowed lower and lower in vote totals, lo and behold a little creation called the Internet has allowed them to convalesce around Ron Paul en masse and – shockingly – contribute wads and wads of campaign cash. He is now the Internet fundraising darling. And he is going to spend his money by the bucketload in Iowa and New Hampshire and however long he can until the last penny is spent. And then he will drop out, run for re-election to Congress, and be drafted as either an independent candidate or Libertarian Party candidate for President again. I have to admit, when watching the Republicans debate I am inwardly pleased to see him jostle up things when he advocates for troop withdrawals from Iraq and other positions contrary to every other Republican running. … And is it me or is there a flurry of “Ron Paul for President” signs and bumper stickers around metro North Carolina, quite intriguing when the GOP nomination will be decided well before Tar Heel Republicans have their presidential primary in May 2008? (To prove my point, the morning after I penned the above this story ran: http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/777522.html)

Just like my comment about Bob Orr in the governor’s race above, I do have similar feelings about U.S. Senator John McCain. Once again quite many of my policy positions differ from his. But McCain, unlike every one of the other Republicans running for the White House, is the real deal. He takes tough positions (McCain-Feingold, his immigration position, anti-torture, as three examples) even when he knows it is antithetical to some of his partisans and even when it could and very well will cost him the 2008 presidential nomination. With his 2000 “Straight Talk Express” still a fond memory for the nation as it saw a maverick in action, what really gets me in my gut is this: This man is a true war hero. He survived heinous torture as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam. For five years! And through it all he never has wavered from his commitment to this country. McCain could have returned an honorably discharged war veteran and located a cushy job somewhere on multiple defense contractor boards and the like. Instead, he chose and has remained committed to public service. (Fortuitously, AP ran a story proving my point: http://www.newsobserver.com/1573/story/777074.html.)

Neither Orr nor McCain may win their respective GOP nominations. But they are good guys.

Meanwhile, back to your regularly-scheduled program already in progress:

DEMOCRATS WILL STILL WIN BOTH the Governor’s race in North Carolina and the White House in 2008.

See, I told you my lapse into impartiality was momentary!

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Note to Reader: What appears above regarding the GOP is NOT an endorsement. I will vote and labor furiously for the Democratic nominees – as always – for Governor and President, and every other office.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Eddie Davis, NCAE President and candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, visited Richmond County on November 8th for the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally.

Preceding his appearance at the podium and in true educator form, Eddie gave a pop quiz to attendees about Hamlet and Richmond County history. Eddie was especially fond of how Hamlet is the true birthplace of jazz giant John Coltrane. The candidate also spoke about his credentials and his plan for the Department of Public Instruction if elected. In spirited form Eddie rallied the audience of 200+ Democrats by reminding them that Democratic legislators have pushed through legislation that reduced class size, raised teacher pay and added accountability in the classroom, and helped make North Carolina a model for education reform, and how he would work for even greater resources and improvements for Tar Heel schools.

Eddie has taught in both elementary and high schools, and served on the State Board of Education (appointed by then-Governor Jim Hunt) where he focused on school accountability, closing the minority achievement gap, and student discipline.

His slogan is “Standing Tall for Public Education.”

He has chosen to participate in the State’s newly-enacted public financing program for this campaign.

To date, I am not aware of a campaign website or campaign blog for this candidate. This entry will be revised upon notification of an official site.

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

With apologies to the State Treasurer candidates whose appearance on the evening agenda came after some of the other Statewide officeholders/candidates addressed the crowd (notwithstanding the vast importance for the Office of State Treasurer), Michael engaged the 200+ Democrats in attendance with a description of what the responsibilities are for the post.

He also emphasized his qualifications (VP–Equity, Wells Fargo Bank; VP-Portfolio Manager, Kemper Financial Services; Member, NC State Banking Commission; Member, NC Board of Community Colleges; Trustee, NC Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement Systems; et al.) and his plans for the Office of State Treasurer.

He told Richmond County Democrats that “I believe the job of State Treasurer is more than just managing money; it’s about helping people to manage their own futures. ... As your Treasurer, I’ll work full time protecting your investments and ensure they grow at a healthy rate.”

A 1996 candidate for Treasurer and past chairman of the Wake County Democratic Party, Michael has been endorsed by Dennis Ducker, the former Deputy State Treasurer.

Michael Weisel and any one of the Democratic candidates for Treasurer would make an excellent successor to current Treasurer and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Richard Moore.

To learn more about the Michael Weisel campaign, check out www.weisel2008.org.

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Janet Cowell, a State Senator from Wake County and candidate for State Treasurer, attended Richmond County’s 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally on November 8th in Hamlet.

With apologies to the State Treasurer candidates whose appearance on the evening agenda (notwithstanding the vast importance for the Office of State Treasurer) came after some of the other Statewide officeholders/candidates addressed the crowd, Janet got right to the point with the audience of 200+ Democrats:

She emphasized her qualifications (MBA, Wharton School of Business; securities analyst; consultant for Fortune 500 companies; et al.) and her plans for the Office of State Treasurer. Among those plans are: earning consistent returns on the State $75 billion in investments; ensuring an open, transparent, and accountable office; protecting the full funding of the State’s pension system; preserving the State’s AAA bond rating; further improving customer service; and, advocating for the public financing of campaigns for State Treasurer.

Janet also reminded the audience that one of the Treasurer’s roles on the Council of State is to provide advice on the way to make major improvements in the State’s infrastructure – its roads, educational institutions, and hospitals

A past member of the Raleigh City Council, Janet is recognized by observers and insiders in the legislature as a quick study and a highly capable State Senator.

Janet Cowell and any one of the Democratic candidates for Treasurer would make an excellent successor to current Treasurer and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Richard Moore.

To learn more about the Janet Cowell campaign, check out www.cowellfortreasurer.com.

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Even though Canton Mayor and Lt. Governor candidate Pat Smathers was unable to visit Richmond County personally last week due to a Buncombe County court case that ran late, we were very honored to have his son and law student Zeb Smathers at the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. In fact, Zeb (on behalf of his father) is one of only a couple Statewide campaigns that have attended both dinners.

Zeb very capably stood in for his Dad and got right to the point with the audience of 200+ Democrats. He said that Pat Smathers would ensure that local governments and small towns are better represented in State government if elected as Lt. Governor. Even more poignant was the following point: Pat Smathers is the only candidate for Lt. Governor with military service – a Lt. Colonel in the National Guard. Given that the current Lt. Governor has led the charge in promoting the role of the military in North Carolina’s economy, Mayor Smathers insists that it is more than fitting that North Carolina’s next Lt. Governor has both military experience and local government experience.

Pat Smathers is running for lieutenant governor because he believes “empowering communities to determine their own futures creates a stronger state for all of us. By encouraging "local leadership, statewide," we can build a better North Carolina.” Zeb added this about his father, "North Carolinians deserve a leader who will meet our state’s challenges with openness, optimism and invested innovations. As lieutenant governor, Pat Smathers will honor those hometown values we all share."

I am very impressed with Pat Smathers and, regardless of the 2008 outcome, predict that we will also see Zeb’s name on the ballot one day.

Pat Smathers and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Pat Smathers campaign, check out www.patsmathers2008.org.

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Richmond County Democrats recall that he also held a meet-and-greet at the Hamlet Public Library immediately beforehand. Hamp’s father served as Solicitor General for President Bill Clinton.

Tossing aside his coat, Hamp cheered on the 200+ Democrats. He rallied the audience by reminding them why we are all Democrats and why he is a candidate for Lt. Governor. “I'm running for Lieutenant Governor because, having worked in the Governor's office, I know firsthand the crises that can confront state leaders. I am prepared to lead this state through any challenge. I also know the daily demands on a Governor's time and the unique opportunity the Lieutenant Governor has to think not just about the next meeting but about the next year, the next decade, the next generation,” he said. “To help make North Carolina ‘Number One’, I need your help in making me North Carolina’s ‘Number Two,’” he added.

Hamp’s campaign is being assisted locally in Richmond County by Gerard Morrison, a Hamlet native and young African-American leader and longtime friend of mine.

He is an energetic candidate whose enthusiasm for public service shines through.

Hampton Dellinger and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Hampton Dellinger campaign, check out www.hd08.com or www.hdforltgov.com.

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

State Senator and Lt. Governor candidate Walter Dalton of Rutherfordton visited Richmond County last week for the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. Richmond County Democrats recall that he attended the county convention earlier this year in April. Senator Dalton also serves as co-chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

As he did at the earlier county convention, at this year’s rally Walter spoke in the spirited form he has adopted for the campaign trail. He rallied the audience of 200+ Democrats by reminding them that he and Democratic legislators pushed through legislation that reduced class size, raised teacher pay and added accountability in the classroom, and helped make North Carolina a model for education reform. Of great interest to Richmond County Democrats, who all have been hit hard by manufacturing job losses, was his efforts to promote tax incentives for areas that have been hardest hit by this economic tsunami.

Walter’s campaign is managed by Morgan Jackson, who many 8th District Democrats recall worked for former Congressman Bill Hefner. State Senator Bill Purcell, former State Senator Richard Conder, and former Lt. Governor Bob Jordan all support Walter’s campaign. Furthermore, both Melanie and I have had the honor and pleasure of serving with Walter in the legislature. He is a hard-working lawmaker who has labored for his district with distinction.

Walter Dalton and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Walter Dalton campaign, check out www.walterdalton.org.

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Winston-Salem alderman and Lt. Governor candidate Dan Besse visited Richmond County last week for the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. He is one of only a couple Statewide candidates who have attended both dinners. (In fact, he also won a door prize last year!)

As the first speaker at this year’s rally, Dan told the audience of 200+ Democrats that he is not your typical local government pol: He has served as a vocal, active participant on various statewide boards and commissions for land use, clean air and water resources for the last 20 years. He also stated, “I believe that North Carolina needs experienced leadership with demonstrated commitment to the ideals of economic and educational opportunity for all, and stewardship of our clean air and water, our green and productive land, and our people's health.”

Having heard him speak on many occasions over the years – and more so since his entry into the Lt. Governor’s race – Dan has honed his message and delivery. His pronounced commitment to environmental issues and an emphasis on his local government service hit his intended mark with the Richmond County community: The county fought off a low-level radioactive waste facility, a hazardous waste facility, and a mega-landfill over the last 16 years, plus the county’s leaders have time and again voiced concerns to State government that it should not create unfunded mandates on local government, particularly on the less-affluent, less-populous counties. He is a hard-working elected official who has labored for his constituents with distinction. I am also impressed with his diligence and dedicated efforts to work on finding solutions for difficult problems faced by his constituents and the State at-large.

Dan Besse and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Dan Besse campaign, check out www.danbesse2008.org.

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Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

By all accounts, Richmond County’s 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally held on November 8th was a resounding success!

In 2006 the Richmond County Democratic Party hosted its first dinner and rally with this moniker and more than 500 people attended at the Hamlet Fairgrounds. Since this year – 2007 – is not an election year, we did not expect that same size crowd but were very pleased with the approximately 200+ Democrats who packed the patriotic-festooned American Legion Post 49 clubhouse in Hamlet.And though the evening ran a little long due to the sheer number of candidates who attended, the 200+ attendees enjoyed an infusion of Democratic Party mainstays:

►A focus on education, better jobs, health care, fiscal responsibility, and ethics;►A love of public service (including for our men and women who serve in the Armed Forces); and, ►Lots of Democratic blue (as opposed to Republican red?) meat and inspirational oratory.

Lighting the fuse for the rally was the re-election announcement and campaign fundraising reception for State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin. Joining in the early festivities at the historic Hamlet Train Depot were Speaker Joe Hackney; Insurance Commissioner Jim Long; State Representatives Tricia Cotham, Pryor Gibson, Garland Pierce, and Doug Yongue; State Senators Walter Dalton (candidate for Lt. Governor), Bill Purcell and Janet Cowell (candidate for Treasurer); former State Senate Majority Leader Richard Conder; Congressional candidate Larry Kissell; Hampton Dellinger, former chief legal counsel for Gov. Easley and candidate for Lt. Governor; Zeb Smathers, son of Mayor Pat Smathers and candidate for Lt. Governor; Dan Besse, Lt. Governor candidate; Michael Weisel, a candidate for State Treasurer; Eddie Davis, NCAE President and candidate for Superintendent for Public Instruction; NC Democratic Party chairman Jerry Meek; countless other Statewide and regional candidates, local officials and supporters; and, of course, yours truly, the lesser half and immediate predecessor to Melanie in the legislature.

We were also especially pleased with the strong contingency of Cumberland County Democrats who carpooled together and attended both events. (Kudos to Roberta Waddle and Reva McNair for making the arrangements!)

See below a small sampling of photographs snapped throughout the evening.

Very soon I plan to have video of several of the candidates uploaded for your pleasure.

My plan is to highlight in separate blog postings most of the Statewide candidates and special guests who attended and spoke, as well as a summary of what House Speaker Joe Hackney shared with the assembled crowd. Expect to see the initial entries starting this week!

I encourage attendees and – most importantly – visiting candidates to share their feedback via the comments section here on the blog, BlueNC, or any other blog where this subject is cross-posted.

Meanwhile, do enjoy the local newspaper coverage about the event. Here’s the link: http://www.yourdailyjournal.com/articles/2007/11/09/news/news03.txt

Saturday, November 10, 2007

State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin (D-Richmond) announced on November 8th her plans to seek re-election next year to the North Carolina General Assembly.

Goodwin’s district includes most of Montgomery County and all of Richmond County.

As she seeks a third term, the lawmaker said, “I have worked to improve education, enhance job growth, and promote families while in office. During the last three and a half years we have had many successes for District 66. One of them is removing Medicaid from our county budgets, thus saving millions of dollars a year for local property owners.”

She added, “I pledge that many more successes are in store down the road for Montgomery and Richmond Counties if the voters choose to re-elect me. You will continue receiving my undivided attention and also my commitment to prompt constituent service. I would be both humbled and honored to continue serving our wonderful community.”

Citing one of the secrets of her quick advancement in the legislature, she said, “It’s simple: My constituents drive my agenda, and not special interests.” Goodwin added, “On measures vital to the 66th House District, I’m not afraid to speak out. I never forget that I answer to you.”

Speaker of the House Joe Hackney of Chatham County praised Rep. Goodwin’s decision to run for a third term. “She is an excellent legislator, a legislator who brings remarkable experience to the General Assembly. Melanie is an attorney, mom, wife and career woman. We do not have a lot of youth in the legislature, but Rep. Goodwin has become a key spokesperson for young families and small businesspersons in rural North Carolina."

According to the Richmond County Daily Journal, "Hackney said the House needs members such as Goodwin who are younger and who know how to manage careers and family. ... She does it with style and gets her work done,” Hackney said. ...“We need people who know what it's like to drop kids off at daycare,” Hackney said and asked Goodwin and husband Wayne, where daughter Madison was at during the reception. She was at ballet lessons. “Think of what she does to balance everything,” Hackney said.

He added, "Rep. Goodwin has also been a key legislator leading the way for campaign reforms and stronger ethics in government.” (Hackney joins both Melanie and Wayne in the accompanying photo.)

We were also especially pleased with the strong contingency of Cumberland County Democrats who carpooled together and attended both events. (Kudos to Roberta Waddle and Reva McNair for making the arrangements!)

Out of respect and dedicated support for her, Rep. Goodwin received a standing ovation before she even spoke at that evening's subsequent Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. As shown by the accompanying photo, it both moved and surprised her.

Representative Goodwin is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campbell University School of Law. She is married to Wayne Goodwin, former lawmaker for this area and the Assistant Insurance Commissioner. They have one daughter, Madison. The Goodwin family resides in Rockingham, where they are members of the First United Methodist Church.

# # #

For local press coverage of the reception, go to www.yourdailyjournal.com/articles/2007/11/11/news/news07.txt

(See below for miscellaneous photos from the reception.)

# # #

Insurance Commissioner Jim Long and State Rep. Tricia Cotham grin for the camera.

Janet Cowell, State Treasurer candidate and State Senator, discusses her campaign with Hamlet Mayor-elect Jeff Smart and Hamlet City Councilman-elect Tony Clewis.

Immediately before this event, State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin will have her campaign kick-off reception at the historic Hamlet Train Depot, 2 Main Street, Hamlet. 5:30-6:30 pm. Suggested donation: $25-$50. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling 910-997-1301 or emailing gwaynegoodwin@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Several years ago it was all the rage for some folks to ask “What Would Jesus Do?” when confronted with a matter of public policy or morality. I even recall a fellow legislator – yes, a Democrat – who brandished a bracelet that displayed WWJD. It was intriguing – to say the least - to hear debate after debate about whether Jesus would support green legislation or oppose tax cuts or have an opinion about election laws.

That was all before Bush v. Gore.

Subsequent to that infamous Supreme Court case a book caught my attention entitled “What Would Jefferson Do?” Without getting in to the fact that Jefferson was more of a Deist than any particular Christian denomination, the volume authored by Thom Hartmann made a capitalistic play off its predecessor phrase. An amateur historian I am - and a political buff to boot - I did find it an interesting read, however. The author used Jefferson’s voluminous writings – not just the Declaration of Independence – to address certain subjects currently at the zenith of regular political discourse, especially in Congressional and Presidential elections.

Okay, even using his writings as a barometer we still may not know to a tee how “TJ” might feel on every subject today. But employing the “What would . . . ” slide rule made for an interesting parlor game to predict his position.

In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, I have found myself more regularly thinking about our nation’s Founders and wondering how much deeper Al-Qaeda’s cut will be into our collective moral and principled foundations that we consider “the American way”.

For weeks and months and now years we have witnessed a growing deluge of revelations that strongly suggest America is not what it once was. They include:

● Loss of privacy by its lawful citizens. ● Torture as an acceptable tool. ● A “Patriot Act” that has eviscerated many of our freedoms.● Significant evaporation of checks and balances among the three branches of government. ● Permanent American armies abroad using unacceptable, unsupervised “contract warriors” (read “Blackwater”) instead of citizen-soldiers following a lawful chain of command and answerable to the Chief Executive● Breaking covenants with soldiers and their families by mandating unplanned extensions of National Guard tours of duty, and providing shameful medical treatment in our VA hospitals and clinics for the wounded who return home.● Paying for a war not by the current generation but by placing it on the backs of our children and grandchildren via the national debt, an unheralded practice never tried throughout the history of American military conflicts● A more corrupt Congress than at any other point in recent memory.● Unlawful renditions to foreign countries.● Blatant questioning of and violations of the Geneva Conventions● The federal government’s allowing cheap imported Chinese toys and food to poison our children and animals.● The devastation of our manufacturing and industrial base to foreign lands, all in the name of corporate profits but to the detriment of the public’s dual need for good jobs and the national security that comes with making some of our most basic staples.● The collapse of bridges and degradation of other infrastructure which would have been repaired and perfected but for trillions spent on the current war.● Outright lies by the President, Vice President and the former Attorney General to Congress, the Courts, to the press, and to the American people.

Whereas a few of these diminutions of American moral primacy have no correlation, the most egregious examples could rightly be deemed victories by Osama bin Laden and radical Islamic terrorists. Think about it: The enemies of the United States oppose America and all for which it stands – freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, equal rights for women, due process, civil liberties, the right to suffrage, and a government genuinely controlled by “the people” and not by military-industrial, theocratic, and/or plutocratic interests. Aren’t these the same principles we have seen shrink before our very eyes since 2001?

It angers me that certain American political leaders who brandished the sword of liberty and the shield of patriotism may have handed to our enemies a victory even greater than the September 11th attacks: a reduction in what America, in fact, stands for today.

As we have seen the Bush-Cheney administration decimate the goodwill that America had banked for generations among most nations of the world, and strip away various civil liberties we hold dear, I must now resurrect that question of “What Would Jefferson Do?” …

Would the 3rd President and Founding Father – no fan of the Supreme Court in his own day, but respectful to a fault of the role that separation of powers plays – have harsh words for this White House?

Would he have condoned torture?

Would he champion permanent tax cuts for the uber-wealthy and promote an increasingly exorbitant gap between the rich and the middle class?

Would he find the dramatic centralization of power within Washington, DC abhorrent to his very being?

Would he choose to side with the monied pharmaceutical, insurance, oil, and military industries instead of children?

Would he have allowed such a swift, downward spiral of the United States in a mere eight years, if ever?

Would Jefferson believe that another revolution were necessary?

Two hundred years ago the Sage of Monticello began the final year of his last term in the White House.

The nation was then in the hands of a fellow Founding Father, James Madison, who almost was our ultimate President when the British tried re-taking America and actually landed on U.S. soil, burning the White House in the War of 1812. The country was at a serious low point.

However, when Madison’s service concluded we then relied upon James Monroe to transition us to what historians call “the Era of Good Feelings.”

2008 will be a watershed year for Americans.

With next year’s elections, we will face either a return of an Era that lifts up all that is great and good about the land of the free and the home of the brave, and returns us to that shining City on a hill; … or we will witness more of the same from the last seven years.

Monday, October 15, 2007

I am very pleased to announce that the next State Executive Committee meeting of the North Carolina Democratic Party will be held in the Eighth Congressional District. What thrills me even more is that Cole Auditorium in my own Richmond County - more particularly, my hometown of Hamlet - will be the host site. Many readers may not recall that Cole Auditorium was one of the last pet projects of the late Joe Grimsley, past President of Richmond Community College and the long-time campaign manager of Governor Jim Hunt.

For those unfamiliar with events such as a State Executive Committee meeting, having the event someplace other than a metropolitan area is the first time in recent memory.

Moreover, having 800+ Democratic activists, candidates, campaign supporters, and media land in the heart of this district will not only send strong signals to Robin Hayes that he should pack his bags to leave Washington. It will also invigorate our Party's commitment to rural Tar Heel citizens. I predict that the presence of so many Democrats will re-energize and maximize this district and its voters' interest.

Watch this space and the website for the NC Democratic Party for more information on all events related to the occasion. We will also make recommendations on where to stay, eat, and visit while you're in the Sandhills.

About Me

Wayne Goodwin is the elected Insurance Commissioner of North Carolina, and also the State Fire Marshal. He was elected to four terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He has also served as President of the Young Democrats of North Carolina and in countless other official capacities on the local, state and national levels. Wayne also served in the past as Assistant Commissioner of Insurance for North Carolina. His wife, former State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin, succeeded him in the General Assembly for three terms of her own. They have one daughter, Madison, and a son, Jackson, named respectively after the 4th and 7th U.S. Presidents.